Hey foodies get your knives sharpened and your aprons ready because Top Chef is back for Season 22 and this time they're heading somewhere totally new and super exciting: Canada! That's right Top Chef: Destination Canada is about to bring the heat and we are so here for it. Let's dive into everything we know about this season which promises fresh faces stunning locations and mouthwatering challenges.
Premiere Date Set and Canadian Culinary Scene Takes Center Stage: Top Chef Season 22 Arrives Just in Time to Spice Things Up
Mark your calendars folks! Top Chef: Destination Canada Season 22 is dropping on Bravo on March 13th . Get ready to tune in every Thursday because this season is going to be a delicious ride. And get this the whole season is set in Canada which is a first for the original Top Chef show (not to be confused with Top Chef Canada which is its own awesome thing!).
They are hitting up some amazing Canadian spots too. Think vibrant cities like Toronto Montreal and Calgary and beautiful locales like Prince Edward Island and Canmore Alberta. It’s basically a culinary tour of Canada and we cannot wait to see what they cook up in these diverse locations.
The first challenge alone sounds incredible. The chefs will be using ingredients inspired by Canada's five distinct regions. West Coast? Expect salmon and Red Fife wheat. Prairies? Hello lentils and canola oil (Canada is the world's biggest lentil producer!). Central Canada brings peaches and corn Atlantic Canada features cod and potatoes and Northern Canada offers oats and Arctic char. It's a true taste of Canada right from the start.
Kristen Kish Returns to Host Alongside Judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons: Familiar Faces Lead the Charge
Hosting duties are once again in the capable hands of Kristen Kish who is back for her second season after taking over last year. And of course we have the iconic judging panel returning with Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons back to deliver their expert critiques. Gail Simmons especially is extra excited for this season since she is actually from Toronto! She calls it an "amazing homecoming."
Gail mentioned it was cool to see her "Top Chef family" collide with her "actual real family" in Canada. She also pointed out how much Toronto has changed and grown since she has been away highlighting the amazing food diversity and welcoming vibe of the city. It sounds like Canada really rolled out the red carpet for Top Chef.
Kristen Kish mentioned feeling way more confident coming into her second season as host. She said the nervous energy from her first season is gone and she really feels like she has settled into the role. It's like going from your first day on the job to feeling like a pro - that comfortable and in control.
New Restaurant Wars Twist and Exceptionally Talented Chefs: Season 22 Promises to Push Culinary Limits
Speaking of shaking things up Top Chef is introducing a brand new rule for the always intense Restaurant Wars challenge. This season they are putting "guardrails on overused concepts." What does that mean? Basically the judges noticed that in Restaurant Wars chefs sometimes fall back on safe predictable themes like "global seafood" to avoid clashing and just get through it. This year they want to push the chefs to be more creative and really communicate and collaborate.
Gail Simmons explained that in Restaurant Wars there's always pressure to pick a leader and a power struggle can emerge where chefs avoid asserting strong ideas to keep the peace. This can lead to "washed out" themes and less exciting restaurants. No more easy outs! They want to see chefs really step outside their comfort zones and create something truly innovative together.
Judge Tom Colicchio is already impressed with the talent this season calling the cast of 15 chefs "exceptional." He noted that usually halfway through the season the food starts to feel a bit same-y as chefs try to guess what the judges want. But this season he felt the chefs really stayed true to themselves throughout the entire competition which is awesome to hear.
Kristen Kish echoed that saying she was impressed by the chefs' ability to develop ideas have a clear direction and then articulate their food and stories so well. She felt like everyone had something personal to prove and were really present and willing to share their culinary journeys. It sounds like we are in for a season packed with passionate chefs and incredible food.
Shop Top Chef Merch and Bring the Competition Home: Gear Up for Season 22 in Style
Want to get even more into the Top Chef spirit? You can actually shop official Top Chef merch . They have everything from aprons to t-shirts to cutting boards. Imagine rocking a Top Chef embroidered apron in your own kitchen or sipping your morning coffee from a Top Chef mug - talk about getting in the zone!
Here are a few cool merch items you can snag:
- Top Chef Logo Embroidered Apron: Feel like a pro chef in your own kitchen.
- Top Chef 'What Would Tom Do' T-Shirt: For all the Last Chance Kitchen fans out there.
- Top Chef 'Pack Your Knives And Go' Crewneck Sweatshirt: Stay cozy while repping your fave show.
- Top Chef Stemless Wine Glasses: Wine tastes better in official Top Chef glasses right?
- Bravo Top Chef Cutting Board: Perfect for prepping your own gourmet snacks.
- Top Chef Nutrition Facts Mug: A fun mug with a cheeky list of what it takes to win Top Chef.
- Top Chef Knife Tote Bag: Carry your culinary gear in style.
You can find all this merch and more online at the NBCUniversal Checkout. Time to treat yourself or the Top Chef fan in your life!
Canada Calling: Why Top Chef Destination Canada is Arriving at the Perfect Time
Setting Top Chef in Canada is not just a random location choice. Turns out tourism boards often work with shows like Top Chef to showcase destinations. This season Destination Canada the Canadian tourism board is a partner. And honestly the timing could not be better. In a world where things are feeling a bit uncertain Canada is looking extra appealing right now.
As Gail Simmons said every season’s new location brings a fresh feel and that's definitely true for Canada. She highlighted how the location informs the challenges ingredients and teaches viewers about Canadian history geography culture and food. It's like a deep dive into a new culinary world every season and Canada is a fantastic choice for that.
Tom Colicchio agreed that the changing locations are key to keeping the show fresh. He mentioned how one day they might be shooting in a castle and the next in a brewery or vineyard. It’s that variety and exploration that keeps both the judges and viewers engaged after so many seasons.
Get Ready to Watch: Top Chef Destination Canada Premieres March 13th – You Won't Want to Miss It!
So there you have it. Top Chef Season 22 is heading to Canada promising a season full of culinary surprises stunning scenery and seriously talented chefs . With Kristen Kish back as host Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons returning to judge and a brand new Restaurant Wars twist it sounds like Bravo is serving up another can't-miss season. Get your snacks ready tune in on March 13th and get ready to say "O Canada!" to Top Chef!